The USA Cycling Board of Directors has named Rob DeMartini as president and chief executive officer of USA Cycling. DeMartini joins the organization from New Balance Athletics, Inc. where he spent the last 12 years as president and CEO. He will begin his new position in February 2019.
“Our entire Board and management team enthusiastically welcome Rob as our new CEO. His passion and ambition for both the future of USA Cycling and our sport is inspiring. He also brings the proven leadership, commercial skills and resources to elevate USA Cycling and to do more for our members, partners and athletes,” said Bob Stapleton, USA Cycling Chairman of the Board.
During his time at New Balance, DeMartini accomplished one of the highest periods of growth in the athletic footwear and apparel industry, driving the company from $1.5 billion annual revenue in 2007 to $4.4 billion in 2018. He led the expansion of international sales and guided the brand as it regained its position as a leader in specialty running while also focusing on cultivating company culture.
“As I join USA Cycling, I look forward to working closely with Chuck Hodge (chief of racing and events) in support of our members, event directors and race officials as well as Scott Schnitzspahn (VP of elite athletics) to prepare our riders for the Tokyo 2020 Games,” said DeMartini. “I am excited to join this capable team and very optimistic that we can better meet members’ needs, grow the leadership role USA Cycling plays in our industry and make all disciplines of cycling stronger.”
A passionate cyclist and athlete, DeMartini has ridden in the Pan-Mass Challenge bike-a-thon for the past 11 years along with participating in other cycling events. He was actively involved in New Balance’s commitment and initiatives to get people moving.
“Rob was a great partner while leading New Balance and connected with all levels of our organization,” said Michael Capiraso, CEO and president of New York Road Runners. “His commitment to the running community aligned perfectly with our mission to help and inspire people through running. Together, we made a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and abilities every year. Rob has a great feel for the power of partnership and community, a skill that will surely benefit USA Cycling and the sport of cycling in the future.”
DeMartini joined New Balance from Tyson Foods. He previously spent 20 years at Procter & Gamble where he held management roles with The Gillette Company, North American Snacks, and Millstone Coffee. He also serves on the board of the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), Welch’s and Aloha Food, was Chairman of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, and was a board member of KaBOOM! and the Two Ten Footwear Foundation.